Dr. Juan David Restrepo, Medellin Dentist-Laser Whitening Tutorial

Laser Whitening

 

Laser Whitening Tutorial

 

By

Dr. Juan David Restrepo, Medellin English Speaking Dentist

Envigado Oral Dental Clinic

TYPES OF TEETH WHITENING

How white can your teeth become?

How white your teeth can become from bleaching and whitening is a common question with a very subjective answer. Some whitening procedures claim they can whiten your teeth by up to nine shades, but that is highly unlikely. Just a change of two or three shades will make a significant difference in just about anyone’s smile. There is no one standard system in the dental field to measure and determine tooth color. The most often heard about, however, is the Vita shade guide. This guide divides tooth color into four basic shade ranges:
A (reddish brown)
B (reddish yellow)
C (gray)
D (reddish gray).
In the A range there are five levels of darkness. Ranges B, C and D, each have four levels.Not all of your teeth are the same natural color. Usually your eye teeth tend to be darker than the others, your front teeth are typically the whitest, and molars tend to be a shade between the two. The goal for everyone is to achieve their individual optimum whiteness while still looking natural. During your first consultation for tooth whitening, your dentist will go over what you personally can expect for your specific smile. How white teeth will become from a given procedure will vary from person to person. The structure of your teeth and the type of procedure implemented will affect the outcome.

 

 

 

What causes discoloration of the teeth?

Teeth enamel discoloration can be caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Some of the more common causes of teeth discoloration are medications, coffee, tea or cigarettes.  People who drink significant amounts of cola soft drinks can experience similar staining.

Aside from staining, there are other factors that can affect the color of an individual’s teeth. Genetics can play a role. Some people have naturally brighter enamel than others. Disease can also be a factor and certain medications can cause a discoloration of the teeth. If you suspect that there is an underlying medical cause for your teeth discoloration, be sure to inform your cosmetic dentist.

Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening

Advantages:

People typically have their teeth whitened to improve their appearance. Whiter teeth are associated with beauty and a healthier lifestyle. When people have a brighter smile, they tend to smile more often and are less self-conscious.

In addition, a whiter smile tends to minimize the appearance of facial wrinkles, giving way to a more youthful and energetic appearance.

Finally, a whiter smile gives people to whom you are speaking a place to focus on and gives you a friendlier appearance.

Disadvantages:

Although bleaching is very effective, there can be short term disadvantages, such as sore gums or teeth from the bleach. This disappears when bleach use is discontinued. Some individuals are more chemically sensitive. If you are one of them, inform your cosmetic dentist so that you can be tested for sensitivity to the solution.

Research indicates that bleaching is completely effective in more than 78% of people. In cases of serious teeth discoloration, bleaching may not be the best choice. Veneers or crowns may be the superior choice. Bleaching is usually the first solution to try due to its lower cost.

Some people experience discomfort from wearing the mouth tray. This typically goes away in short order, but if you suspect that there is a problem with the fit of your mouth tray, call your dentist’s office. They can often make small adjustments that will minimize or eliminate the problem.

TYPES OF TEETH WHITENING

There are a few teeth whitening procedures available that correct discoloration of the teeth by removing the brown and yellow staining. While each work effectively, there are advantages and disadvantages to each procedure dependent upon your objectives and commitment to the processes. The type of procedures available should be discussed with your cosmetic dentist, and a

LASER BLEACHING (In-Office)

Using a laser with a whitening gel, this is an in-office bleaching system.

The translucent bleaching gel is applied to the teeth and a laser light is used to activate the crystals to absorb the energy from the light and penetrate the teeth enamel to increase the lightening effect on the teeth. The length of time in the cosmetic dentist’s chair depends on the degree of discoloration you have.

Advantage: One visit is usually all it takes for a bright smile.

Disadvantage: The sudden change of color is likely to be noticed by those around you immediately.

CUSTOM FIT TRAY BLEACHING (In-Home)

A custom fitted tray is worn over your teeth. A small amount of the bleaching gel is placed in the tray and worn for a brief amount of time each day. This is a common technique because it’s easy to use and costs less. Impressions are taken of your mouth and a thin custom made plastic tray is made which you take home and wear for about one to two hours per day. While some results may be seen in a couple days, it usually takes one to two weeks to see the full whitening of your teeth. This procedure is sometimes used in conjunction with the in-office laser bleaching if you have severe discoloration (dark grey or purple) or internal teeth staining.

Advantage: A gradual whitening of your teeth over time will be less noticeable to others that you’re undergoing this procedure..

Tiger Paw Hostel in Medellin-A better idea?

These guys get it!

A hostel, is a hostel is a hostel until you start adding location, location, location and amenities, a full service restaurant and Medellin sports bar where you can watch your favorite College or NFL game while you are traveling in Medellin Colombia.

Brian, the owner and an avid Clemson Tiger fan, has pulled out all the stops to make this the ultimate hostel to stay at when you visit Medellin Colombia.

 

Location? Many Medellin Hostels advertise “Within walking distance or a short cab ride from Parque Lleras” At the Tiger Paw when you step foot outside the front door, you are “in Parque Lleras”

Many Medellin Hostels advertise full service amenities but few offer a full service restaurant or an on site sports bar. 

Two eggs, ham and cheese beeakfast with toast maybe, but not many will offer Fettucini Alfredo, chicken wings, black bean nachos or “my favorite” chicken salad sandwiches”!

Great lounge and sports bar area with multiple LCD TV’s playing a host of local Futball and American footlball games; Cheap, cold beer at $1.00 or less; Full service restaurant featuring American cuisine and snacks; pool table, outdoor tiki torches and music genre from the 80’s 90’s and beyond…. Sign me up!

The Tiger Paw Hostel had their “soft opening” of their restaurant and sports bar last Thursday.  There were maybe 25-40 people mingling about, watching the first football game of the season, chatting, munching on their “to die for” bruschetta made by their on site chef Richard, followed by a medley of local veggies and seasoned meats.  Tiki torches outside to signal the grand opening of the Lions Den Restaurant and Tiger Paw Sports Bar…..It just could not have been more tranquil.

Side note:  A friend called me from Parque Lleras tonight.  He said had had a group of friends that wanted to watch Sunday Night Football but did not want to go all the way out to Calle Ochenta to watch it.  I suggested the Tiger Paw. They called me with a toast for my recommendation. Unfortunately, I am working/writing and can’t enjoy the game with them.  Such is the life!

Envigado Oral- Dr. Juan David Restrepo

We continually seek out English speaking Doctors and Dentists in Medellin so if a little health tourism is part of your aganda for visiting, you will at least have a few recommended physicians to consider.

A friend recently had to have several root canals done (at way below US and European prices) and our other Dentist friend Dr. Juan Carlos Meia Escalante recommended an associate in Envigado.  Now, my friend is not exactly over zealous about going to a Dr. or Dentist in the first place.  In fact, he has outright panic attacks…..seerriioouuss ones!

Dr. Restrepo agreed to come to Dr. Mejias office to perform the procedure.  I forewarned him about my friends “panic syndrome” and he assured me everything would be OK.  He, he he.  Little did he know my friend.

After an hour of trying to get a little novocaine in his mouth Dr. Restrepo finally decided to take a break and re-group with a diferent approach.  A little hypnosis/calming technique finally got everything underway.

 

Anyway, Dr. Restrepo did such an excellent job and very affordable prices, I decided to put him on the MTG website as another Medellin Dentist specializing in General Dentistry, Endodontics (root canals) and laser whitening.  He also provided a laymans explaination of various dental reconstrucitive and restorative procedures along with photos and price ranges. This shoud give you a good benchmark to compare other prices in other parts of the world.

 

And get this;

1-He will schedule Saturday or Sunday appointments in advance of your arrival if you only have a couple of days to spend in Medellin;

2-He will provide a “Web Cam” examination or review digital X-Rays (if you have them) and give you and opinion on what procedure you should consider and the approximate costs;

3-You can call him on his cell phone or send him e-mails and he will actually answer;

4- He has agreed to be on-call for any English Speaking Medellin Visitor that may have an emergency requirement (chip/break a tooth, have an abcess, have a filling fall out etc).  Can you imagine that in the US or Europe????

Feel free to contact him directly and if you mention Medellin Travel Guide, he will give you an additional 10% discount.

Feria de Las Flores has come and gone but photos and videos were not all that was taken!

A large 10 day event like Feria de Las flores attracts visitors and tourists from all over the world.  Coupled with the fact that Colombiamoda arranged it’s ending to coincide with the beginning of the Feria and you already had a city full of foreign guests.

I was speaking with a friend who told me he got his pocket picked at Cabalgata (the annual horse parade) but thankfully they only got a few thousand pesos.  His friend had warned him to hide his big stash of cash in a zippered pocket.  During the conversation, a girl piped in and said she had her cell phone stolen out of her zippered purse.  Within minutes, two other people related similar incidents of having money or cell phones stolen by pickpockets.

Well, I have always preached being cautious in Medellin.  Not wearing flashy jewlery, not carrying large sums of cash, holding onto your items, backpacks, cell phones etc (especially near El Centro).

So, the day of Feria de Los Silliteros (Flower carriers parade) came and I was looking forward to seeing this event for my first time.  We decided to go to Plaza Mayor where we could see the ending of the parade and where the judging an reviewing stands were located.  Seems every other Paisa had similar ideas as the crowd was about 100 deep and 300-400 yards long in both directions on both sides of the street.  We began to punch our way forward like every other person there in hopes of getting close enough for some photos and video.  At one point we got into a rip tide of people trying to get out and people trying to push forward and got squeezed pretty hard.  I pulled away and immediately knew I had been pick pocketed.  Sure enough, even though I had it in my front pants pocket of some pretty tight jeans, the cell phone was gone.  I didn’t get too upset but knew it was going to be a lot of work replacing all the numbers I had stored in my SIM chip. My friend immediately tried to call my number to see if we could hear it ring closeby but alas, they had already turned it off and it went straight to message. I was just amazed at how quickly and easily they had taken it.  I usually have trouble fishing my phone out of my pocket when it is my own hand going in after it!

So, we re-grouped and walked down the Calle a ways, looking for another vantage point where we might get a closer glimpse of the parade.  We saw a spot below a passover and the crowd looked pretty manageable.  Armed with my wallet in my left pocket (secured by my left hand inside the pocket) and my shoulder valise tightly pressed over my right pocket, we started making our way towards the crowd.  At one point, my date found an opening and made a beeline for an open space on the street.  I was right behind her until a kid got separated from his father, the father trying desperately to retrieve him and again a sudden surge of people going in both directions squeezed me.  But, I was secure. I had my wallet in my hands and my valise firmly snuggled over my other pocket….or so I thought1  Yep!  Got about 24,000 COP.  I never felt a thing. These guys were pros!

We backed out of the crowd onto a nearby sidewalk. My date explained how many proessional pickpockets from all over Colombia came to Feria de Las Flores because of the huge crowds and large number of foreign tourists.  As we were talking, the police arrested two female pickpockets that had been caught by the victim.  Neither were my thieves. I still felt a small elation that some were being caught.

I was convinced and wanted no more of this encounter (or losses) so we left.  We went home and watched the Feria on live TV and even filmed a bit of it.  Wish it could have been live and next year, we will find a vantage point in a less crowded area or in reserved grandstand seating.

The next day, all my friends were aghast when I told them the story.  I was out a cell phone and 24K pesos.  As we sat in our favorite coffee restaurant in Parque Lleras recanting the experience, two more people at a nearby table were telling us of their experience of being pickpocketed the previous day.  As we listened intently, I looked to my left to check on my valise and guess what…..It was gone!  I couldn’t believe it.  It was in a chair 6 inches from my left leg.  It was in plain sight of my peripherial vision and my friends direct line of sight.  It was in plain view of our neighbors telling the story.  Only 1 person passed between us during the entire conversation.  These people are too good. The police were not much help even after we described the only person that moved between us.

 

This time, it was a little more costly;

A 3CCD LCD Digital Video Camera; 7 Megapixel Sony Point and shoot camera, house keys (requiring us to change our locks) office keys, (requiring us to change 12 locks), a receipt book for business expenses (which I will never remember them all), business cards of clients and vendors, 2 calculator’s, tape measure, Cross Pen and Pencil set and various other things. I lost some irreplaceable video (until next year) and photos. 

The police explained there were many professional thieves in Medellin for Feria de Las Flores and as much as they tried to protect citizens, these are experts and they are very fast, have a network of accomplices that move any stolen merchandise very quickly.

What can you do?  It does no good to get mad.  It is gone!  You cannot find it.  It can be replaced.

Will I go to Feria de Las Flores next year?  You bet I will but will have more secure observation points.  I may even hire a security guy for the days of the parades to be my wingman.  A big guy that nobody will push around.  I will have zippered pockets, not carry much money, will tie down my camera bag inside any restaurant and just be a little more cautious.

Has the experience made me negative about Medellin?  Not one little bit! These are professional thieves that come here from all over Colombia to prey on the citizens and visitos that want to participate in the largest annual event of the city.

 

Viva Medellin but beware and very cautious with your valuables when you are in large crowds during Ferias.  These theives are very, very good!

Colombiamoda ends, Feria de Las Flores Begins

Local lingerie and beachwear designer Leonisa made it’s usual grand entrance and captivated the audience with its sexy, lavish creations pointing out the fashion trend of the upcoming summer season in Colombia. “The bright coloured red, pink and yellow lingerie embroidered with laces and glitter seemed to match perfectly with the the show entitled “Latin Furor”. The Leonisa catwalk show is perhaps the most difficult to obtain tickets for as it’s models are always breathtakingly beautiful as well as revealing in their display of “Ropa Interior”
         
“The celebrated Spanish designer, Custo Dalmau,  stole the spotlight this year at Colombiamoda. His brand, ‘Custo Barcelona’, widely known for its t-shirts and other casual clothes, closed the last and final night of the event with a show that mixed outfits from both winter and summer collections.”
         
“The blending of fabrics in dark and light colors highlighted this years collection and brought to a pinnacle his adept ability to create new designs that the public will buy.”
         
Colombiamoda claimed that from January to April 2008, the Colombian clothes industry generated sales worth $879 million dollars up 42.2 percent jumping from $325 million to $476 million dollars from the same period last year.

 

The following day marked the 51st annual beginning of Feria de Las Flores.  This year, the feria organizers placed the world famous Cabalgata on the first Saturday instead of the last Sunday of the event.  It seemed to be a stroke of genius as the Cabalgata attracted record crowds and participants in the parade (as if that were possible).  Staking our position in front of Carrefour on the Autopista, we were quickly immersed in a sea of local paisas partying, watching the parade, visiting with friends and enjoying a beautiful sunny day in Medellin.  Within hours, it became a standing room only event much like a crowded concert.  Bodies seemed to merge with one another and moving amongst the hordes of people became more and more difficult as the afternoon wore into the evening.

Observations from Cabalgata 2007 versus 2008;

-The parade was in the opposite direction this year.  Last year it went from N to S.  This year was fron S to N.

-It seemed like more people and more parade participants (as if that were possible?)

-Last year, parade watchers were kept back against a roped off area.  This year, the crowds were going back and forth to the opposite median, posing with riders and walking amongst the parade participants.

-Last year, the parade seemed to move along rather easily. This year, there seemed to be frequent bottlenecks that frequently halted the parade.  It certainly was better for taking video.

As a parting note, we left before the crowd became even more engorged on Rum, Aguardiente, Beer and other locally grown products.  Still, we have never seen so many beutiful women in one place at one time in our lives.  Absolutely breathtaking!

 

Medellin Travel Guide

2008 Feria de Las Flores Schedule changes

The Mayors office of Medellin revised the schedule of events for Feria de Las Flores and unfortunately, MTG did not catch the change. Normally, Cabalgata is held on the last Sunday of the 10 day event but this year, they moved it up to the first Saturday of the Feria.

 

Cabalgata is actually on Saturday August 2nd, beginning at 2:00PM and continuing until….well, probably all night!  Please refer to the Alcaldes event schedule for the latest updates.

We will be there today taking photos and videos.  Unfortunately, we will not have our tent and planned activities.  We kinda got caught with our pants down on this one.  Our bad and we will just have to do a better job of planning for next years event.

 

Our apologies for any inconvenience.

As Colombiamoda comes to an end, La Feria de Las Flores gets ready to Launch

The planners and organizers of these two key events really put their thinking caps on this year.  Colombiamoda was originally scheduled for July 10th-13th but changed to July 29th-31st.  By doing so, it coincides with the beginning of the 51st annual La Feria de las Flores (Medellin Flower Festival) beginning on August 1st.  Why not?  You already have a city full of buyers, international press and visitors for the Colombiamoda.  Why not keep them in town for a few more days to enjoy the largest annual event in Medellin.

 

10 days of concerts, parades, events, partying and of course culminating in Cabalgata, the worlds largest ourdoor horse parade.

The Alcalde Medellins web site has a calendar of events and locales but there are a few “do not miss” events on the schedule;

- Desfile de Silliteros (Parade of Flower Carriers).  Large placards of flower arrangements can already be seen being prepared for the event. We have been told there are more flowers used for this parade than the Rose Parade but have not found any source to confirm the data.

- The Antique and Restored Auto Parade. There are some very impressive auto restorations in Medellin. It is quite the hobby and competition is very stiff for winning various categories.  Over 1.5 million people will line the 28Km route to view the parade and most will be partying.  So will the auto drivers themselves! Wait till you see the decorations inside the cars!

-Cabalgata. Posted as the worlds larget outdoor horse parade boasting over 7,000 entrants last year, this is a day long event on the last day of the Festival (usually a Sunday) and is genrally a giant street party of 2+ million people for upwards of 14-16 hours.  Lots of music, bands, food vendors, drink vendors, horses (of course) and eye candy the likes of which you have probably never seen before in your life.

If you do not already have reservations for a place to stay, you are probably out of luck for this years festival and better start making plans now for next years.  Most places charge a 15-20% premium for accommodations for this event.

Colombiamoda 2008 Medellin Colombia

It has finally arrived.  The much anticipated 19th annual Colombiamoda begins tomorrow in Medellin Colombia.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Date: July 29th to 31st, 2008
Schedule: 9:00 am to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday – Wednesday
Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Place: Plaza Mayor, Medellín – Colombia.

IMPORTANT: Tuesday July 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the trade show will only be open to buyers.

Buyers and Exhibitors have been seen arriving for the past few days.  Exhibition booths are being assembled in Plaza Mayor and the models are making last minute preparations on their hair, nails and body sculpting.

Colombiamoda is billed as the largest fashion show in Latin America. Having celebrated its 18th anniversary this past July, it is rapidly becoming known internationally as one of the most important fashion events to attend in the world.

Medellin is regarded by many as the largest textile center in Latin America so it is little wonder this event continues to grow in importance for the local economy.

Well attended you ask?:

450 national and international exhibitors.

1730 international buyers.

7260 national buyers and visitors from Alemania, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bélgium, Belice, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, España, United States, France, Guatemala, Holland, Honduras, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Holand, Panama, Peru, Poland, Reino Unido, Dominican Republic, Singapor, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela.

60.000 meters of exhibition and services space.

400 national and international journalist.

The trade show

A place where you can find the new trends for formal, casual, jeanswear and sport collections for the feminine, masculine, junior, children and baby market. Ideal for wholesalers, chain stores, department stores, boutiques and distributors.

Business, fashion, sensations and brands is what everybody breathed this past year in Colombiamoda. It takes place every July.

This important business center that has become one of the most important in the Latin American textile and apparel sector is held at the Plaza Mayor Medellin, its Recinto Ferial, Centro de Convenciones and The Teatro Metropolitano.

**For visiting the catwalks you need an invitation, the Colombiamoda’s badge is not valid.

These invitations can be hard to come by but if you get lucky and snag a couple of tickets to attend a catwalk fashion exhibition it will dazzle your eyes with the beauty of the Colombian fashion models. Knowing somebody in the industry is always an advantage.

The general exhibition halls are open to the public on a daily basis. Entrance ticket purchase required. Eye candy is free.

Cancel the call to the animals…….

A day after posting the Ark Blog, the sun came out and shined all day. Not a single drop of rain for the first time in months.  Now, 6 days later, we are still having blissfully sunny days and no rain.  It looks like summer has finally arrive in Medellin and what beutiful days they are.

 

Just in time for the Flower Festival starting on the 1st of August. Remember to bring your sun tanning lotion!

Is someone building an Ark in Medellin?

We certainly hope so because the expected end of the rainy season in May has not come to fruition.  Normally, the rainy season for this time of year in Medellin is March, April and May.  It rained a lot in March and April but it rained exery single day in May.

The summer, sunny months are normally June, July and August.  Oh, you learn to expect an occasional light afternoon shower but “normally” most days are bright and sunny and are warmer but rarely ever hot (like Fla. summers).  Well, Junes  rainfal average in CM’s  was well above normal but darn it, so has July.  When is this daily rain ever going to stop? It is also keeping the temperatures well below normal for this time of year (although still very pleasant and comfortable).

 

I keep thinking I am going to see a man with a long white beard being followed by animals two by two parading through town some day soon.

 

MTG